12/21/2017

Bipartisan measures have been introduced in the House and Senate proposing a cooperative-federalism approach to the regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Specifically, below 200 feet in altitude, state, local, and tribal authorities could reasonably regulate the time, manner, and place of drone operation. This authority would permit local governance of low-altitude drone activity in a manner similar to traffic management. President Donald Trump has also signed a presidential memorandum establishing pilot programs for commercial drone operations that would require the participation of state and local authorities. Congress should reject overblown concerns about a regulatory “patchwork” and adopt a cooperative-federalism approach that leverages the unique competencies of state, local, and federal officials to foster a competitive, safe, and innovative drone industry.

11/20/2017

SummaryAs online attacks grow in volume and sophistication, the United States is expanding its cybersecurity efforts. Cybercriminalscontinue to develop new ways to ensnare victims, whereas nation-state hackers compromise companies, government agencies, andbusinesses to create espionage networks and steal information. Threats come from both criminals and hostile countries, especiallyChina, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.Much is written on this topic, and this CRS report directs the reader to authoritative sources that address many of the mostprominent issues. The annotated descriptions of these sources are listed in reverse chronological order, with an emphasis onmaterial published in the past several years. This report includes resources and studies from government agencies (federal, state,local, and international), think tanks, academic institutions, news organizations, and other sources:

Marcus Yam/Getty Images Flooding along Interstate 10 in Houston as a result of Harvey

A recent study found that FEMA failed to capture 75 percent of flood damages within their flood maps between 1999 and 2009. The FEMA flood maps are the primary source for how the government and insurance companies evaluate flood risk and insurance premiums. There are collectively trillions of dollars worth of property that rely on these maps being accurate.

02/17/2017

What in the world does the frightening news about the Oroville Dam in California have to do with America’s electric grid? Answer: the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The California state government is scrambling to address the failing dam after heavy rains have damaged the main concrete spillway and water is now pouring over the emergency spillway for the first time in history. The erosion of the natural barrier –? the last line of defense between Californians and the emergency spillway ?? has prompted the evacuation of some 185,000 residents. Some outlets are even reporting that the dam might very well break, a mini-doomsday scenario for those in the immediate vicinity of the deteriorating infrastructure.

01/12/2017

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued a draft update to the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity—also known as the Cybersecurity Framework. Providing new details on managing cyber supply chain risks, clarifying key terms, and introducing measurement methods for cybersecurity, the updated framework aims to further develop NIST’s voluntary guidance to organizations on reducing cybersecurity risks.